New entry requirement for Canada

Canada

Take a holiday in Canada and explore the sprawling Rocky Mountains or savour the Atlantic Ocean's salty breezes. The bustling multiculturalism of Vancouver and Toronto will make your holidays in Canada an exciting escape. Go fishing at one of thousands of freshwater lakes, or surf the waves at Pacific Ocean beaches in British Columbia.

Lake Louise

A diamond in the wilderness

City breaks in Canada

Canada's largest city, Toronto offers cultivated holidays with celebrated fashion, film and music festivals throughout the year. Vancouver prides itself on its world-class shopping, galleries and attractions, such as the spectacular one mile aerial journey to The Peak. Explore the 17th-century fortified city of Quebec or get a taste of Canada's cowboy country in Calgary.

Things to do in Canada

Outdoor holidays in Canada offer world-class adventures in the stunning Yukon Territory, where you can kayak, snowshoe and dogsled across this vast unpopulated expanse. Take a heli-hiking tour of the Rocky Mountains, or go whale-watching in Quebec's Saguenay region. Hire a canoe to explore Canada's Great Lakes – the biggest freshwater bodies in the world.

Canada multi-centre holidays

Flanked by the ocean and majestic Rocky Mountains, Vancouver is a city with the ‘wow’ factor. Gaze up at the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies while shopping downtown. Cycle along a meandering sea path or picnic amid the serene acres of glorious Stanley Park. Then drive by hire car to the spectacular Jasper National Park, taking in a jaw-dropping landscape of turquoise lakes, glinting glaciers and tumbling waterfalls en route. Continue to the vibrant city of Calgary – best visited in July.

Whizz by elevator to the top of the iconic CN tower in Toronto. Or cycle under a canopy of cherry blossoms in High Park. Drive by hire car to the Niagara Falls and gaze in awe at this mighty curtain of cascading waters. Continue to cultural Ottawa and wander around state-of-the-art museums before feasting on dynamic world. cuisine. Hit the ski slopes around majestic Mont-Tremblant Then stroll past the pretty 18th-century buildings of Old Montreal, stopping for lunch at a quaint terraced cafe.

Glimpse the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains between the shimmering high-rises of downtown in beautiful Vancouver. Wander around the cobblestone streets and pop into quirky boutiques in historic Gastown. Stretch out on the sands of Kitsilano Beach, or breathe in the sweet flower scent while strolling through stunning Stanley Park. Hire a car in Vancouver and drive to the idyllic mountain village of Whistler. Take to the ski slopes of this former Winter Olympics venue or out of season go mountain biking.

Immerse yourself in Toronto’s thriving cultural scene, or embrace its laidback pace. Stroll through parks filled with colourful blooms in summer. Or sip craft beer in a cosy pub in winter. With a hire car, the spectacular Niagara Falls are within easy reach. Stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake and take a horse and buggy ride through the tree-lined streets of this historical village. Discover the incredible natural beauty of Ontario – from the breathtaking Blue Mountains and magnificent Muskoka lakes, to the awe-inspiring Algonquin Provincial Park.

Culture and fine food are the calling cards of Montreal. Wander around sprawling food markets and indulge in ‘poutine’ - gravy-soaked fries with cheese curds – at one of the city’s abundant restaurants. Stroll past beautiful 18th century buildings and gaze at the glinting golds of the Notre-Dame Basilica’s ornate interior in Old Montreal. Then travel by hire car to Mont Tremblant – a haven for outdoor pursuits. Take to the snowy ski slopes in winter and bathe in the azure waters of Lake Tremblant in summer.

Discover the cosmopolitan hub of culture that is Toronto. Explore its diverse areas – from the lively Distillery District to the coastal vibe of the eastern Beaches. Use your Toronto car hire or book a tour to see the spectacular Niagara Falls. Then fly to New York and soak up the buzz of the city that never sleeps. Manhattan’s towering landmarks, shopping, Broadway and nightlife scenes are of course, legendary. But take time to explore New York’s eclectic areas – like bohemian Greenwich Village and the super chic Meatpacking District.

Skiing in Canada

Skiing in Canada is a national treasure, from the epic knee-deep powder runs in British Columbia to the stunning landscape of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Canada has some of the biggest snowfalls of any destination and when you add the picture postcard scenery and wide immaculately-maintained pistes then you have the perfect place for snow bunnies around the world.

Banff

Deep within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest, and perhaps most impressive park. Banff itself is a fantastic resort which promises snow-sure conditions and spectacular scenery and is seen as the link of three big mountains - Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. The pistes or trails, as they are known in Canada, are perfect for beginners and intermediates, but the real challenges lie in wait for those more advanced. Snowboarders and veteran skiers will find some of the best off-piste riding in the world in Banff, such as the unbelievable Delirium Dive.

Jasper

Jasper is a lovely little town in the heart of the Rockies, surrounded by ancient glaciers. Great for beginners with sweeping long greens and blues, but also perfect for advanced skiers too. Hailed as one of the best ski areas in North America for powder snow, the difficult double diamond blacks are unforgettable here. The resort is in the Jasper National Park, so expect to see plenty of wild sheep and even elk in the town, but thankfully wolves are too timid to prowl too near. Off the slopes, a dog sled ride or snow shoe expedition are must do activities – alongside a fantastic après ski scene.

Lake Louise

The largest of the Big 3 in Banff, Lake Louise was voted the best resort in Canada in 2013 by the World Ski Awards. The small resort sits by a beautiful lake, close to the ski lifts which take you up to 2700m. The spectacular panorama of the Rocky Mountains alone will make this trip worthwhile, but when you add the superb skiing, it creates an unbeatable holiday. Ideally built for intermediate skiers, you will find some tough blues and single diamond black (European red pistes) near the summit. Its huge ‘Back Bowls’ are world-renowned for snowboarders and advanced skiers.

Fernie

Fernie is fast becoming a haven for snowboarders, due to its superb powder and it being fairly quiet, guaranteeing a fresh track or two when there’s fresh snow. That said, it is also great for ski beginners, with wide easy slopes – especially the ‘cruiser trail’ with its wonderful views of the valley below. Fernie is an old coal mining town which developed into a year-round resort. Eerily, the First Nations put a curse on the town which wasn’t lifted until 1963. The resort is lively, with some great bars to enjoy après ski in style – don’t miss the poutine (chips, gravy and cheese curd) for a tasty treat.

Whistler

Probably the most famous resort in Canada, and for good reason, Whistler offers everyone an opportunity to ski some epic snow. From beginners to experts, from piste to powder, you will find something that suits your level and style. Its massive ski area, impeccably-groomed slopes and superb modern lifts allow skiers to traverse the mountain easily. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will fall in love with the 20 massive powder bowls – unforgettable off-piste. Après ski is also incredible, with great bars, better restaurants and some superb live music on offer. Whistler has it all and you won’t want to leave.

Mont Tremblant

Immerse yourself in the culture of Quebec when visiting Mont Tremblant, including fantastic food and a French flair. The ski resort is quite low, but due to an abundance of high-tech snow cannons and a decent natural snow fall each year, the resort is relatively snow sure. Beginners will find some great green runs but Mont Tremblant is better suited to the more qualified skiers, with nearly half of its pistes on the advanced scale. For après ski head to the main square, Place St Bernard, which comes alive after 3pm – with up to 70 bars and restaurants in town, you’ll find something for you.